Irate Odisha villagers plant paddy saplings on kutcha road

Sonepur: Angered over lack of proper roads, the villagers of Tileimal under Binika block in Sonepur district protested in a novel way today by planting paddy saplings on the kutcha approach road connecting the village.

As per reports, Tileimal is located just four kilometres away from the main road and apart from connecting Tileimal; the approach road also connects Ailamunda, Arigaon, Singhijuba and S Rampur villages of Binika Town.

The villagers alleged that though several villages are dependent on the approach road, the repair work of the road has not been taken up this year, making travel a nightmare on the road following monsoon rain.

The villagers alleged that despite requesting the district administration and local leaders repeatedly, no one attended their grievances; forcing them to plant saplings on the slushy road as a mark of protest.

"Even after 72 years of independence, our village does not have a proper road. We have repeatedly complained to the concerned authorities, but our problems have remained unattended,' alleged a villager.

Another villager said, "We have to wade through the mud to visit the town. The condition of the road is so pathetic that no vehicle can ply on it often forcing the villagers to even carry patients on shoulders and cots. Neither the MLA nor the MP is concerned about our issues."

Meanwhile, Binika Block Development Officer (BDO) Biswaranjan Mallick has assured immediate steps to address the issue.

"I will discuss the matter with the Zilla Parishad Chairman so that the repair work can be taken up immediately and an enquiry will also be initiated to resolve the issue," informed the BDO.